Canada apologizes after labeling Dakota and Lakota refugees

WHITECAP DAKOTA FIRST NATION, SASKATCHEWAN — Canada’s Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations is scheduled to apologize today to nine First Nations in Manitoba and Saskatchewan after decades of Canada labeling the Dakota and Lakota as refugees.

Gary Anandasangaree’s apology, which will be presented at a ceremony on the Whitecap Dakota Nation south of Saskatoon, is being called “historic” by officials.

Being designated as refugees, the Dakota and Lakota were not included in the treaty negotiations because Canada saw them as American, despite their strong presence north of the Canada-US border.

Historically, they have had a more strained relationship with Canada, including having smaller reserves and less economic support than other indigenous groups.

The Whitecap Dakota Nation signed a self-government agreement with Canada in 2023 that officially recognized them as Aboriginal peoples under the Constitution.

It also recognized the Whitecap Dakota’s ability to make laws on the reservation.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on July 15, 2024.

The Canadian Press